Band: Eye Empire
Album: Evolve – Released 10/29/13
Label: Bulldog Productions
Donald Carpenter – Lead Vocals
B.C. Kochmit – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Corey Lowery – Bass, Backing Vocals
Ryan Bennett – Drums
Eye Empire is one of those bands that never fail to impress, as well as inspire. Their 2012 release, Impact, was an album that immediately grabbed my attention and never let go, leaving me eager to hear more. After relentlessly touring in support of Impact – including direct support for big name acts such as Volbeat, Drowning Pool, Nonpoint, and others – it was time for Eye Empire to finally assemble their ideas for a sophomore effort. In a sense, it led them to Evolve.
From the first track, “One Day,” I knew this record was going to be special. Heavy guitars, dark bass lines, fierce drum grooves, and intense vocals are just a few of the many ways to describe this opener. But hang on tight, because the ferocity flows and grows through the second and third tracks.
“The War Isn’t Over Yet” explores the thoughts and challenges that someone who has returned from battle may face, and how they are expected to resume their civilian life. It’s as intense as it sounds, with amazing lyrics and vocals by Donald “DC” Carpenter.
“Rise (Wake Up)” has an equally impressive story line and the aggressiveness continues, strongly mirroring one of the band’s most successful songs to date, “Ignite.” After listening to the first three tracks of Evolve, fans who relate to the heavier side of Eye Empire will be more than pleased; ecstatic is more like it.
Track four; entitled “Beyond The Stars,” begins with drummer Ryan Bennett laying down a groove that is executed so well, it never fails to send chills throughout my body. “Never live like you’re afraid, we’re the ones that create pain” proclaims vocalist Donald Carpenter. Those are lyrics that are able to reach a listener on multiple levels. This track is easy to embrace and I see it finding its way onto many Eye Empire set lists to come.
“Within” has a markedly different feel, but one that I can’t quite put my finger on. The song starts out on the quieter side and builds up to a chorus that takes an uncharacteristic approach, which is noticeable from the first listen. This is followed by a signature riff from guitarist B.C. Kochmit that will melt your face off.
Each band member stands out individually throughout Evolve, but Corey Lowery’s production skills are truly showcased on the album’s sixth track, “Weakness.” There’s just something about the massive, signature Eye Empire sound that Lowery is able to capture and express as the album’s producer like I’m sure no one else on the planet could. I hear the band jelling from start to finish, which is also due to the unrelenting dedication of these professionals to their craft.
“Weakness” is a steady, straight and to the point, classic Eye Empire song. Kochmit’s guitar solo on this track is also sure to catch your attention, as well as make guitar players wonder why they even bother trying anymore; he’s technically flawless.
Finding ourselves at track seven, “Bleed” (no, not Meshuggah’s “Bleed,” Eye Empire’s “Bleed”) is inspiring, nasty, and straight up heavy. The only way to listen to this song is to turn it up to “loud-as-fuck” and have your meds ready.
One of my favorite things about this band is their lyrics that inspire; they never fail to exude confidence. “Head High” does just this. Interesting and memorable, it is apparent that Carpenter has the innate ability finds something special and expresses it both lyrically and vocally, which is flawless.
Track nine, “The Man I Am,” slows things down a bit. Also lyrically inspiring, this song sounds like it is personal for Donald. The band does a great job of finding the right sound to encompass the different emotions he is experiencing, including another great solo from B.C.
“Can’t Forget” picks things up once again as drummer Ryan Bennett unleashes another round of double-bass fury, just as he did on the opening track. Bennett continues to prove that he is one of the best drummers in the hard rock business through songs such as this. “Can’t Forget” also contains some quieter moments, the usual varying in dynamics that this band is able to harness so well.
“Don’t Look Back” has one of the most prominent bass lines on the album, as well as lyrical content that is able to convey so much in so few words – yet another song that fits the mold of a solid Eye Empire track.
“Live Loud” is a song you have probably already heard about. If you haven’t had a chance to give it a listen, you are in for a treat – but be warned, some tears may be shed. The entire concept behind the album title Evolve is arguably summed up in this song. Extremely personal, powerful, and moving, “Live Loud” is one of the band’s best songs to date.
Closing the album is the hidden track “I Don’t Want To Leave,” which is only available on a physical copy of Evolve. I won’t give away any more, so visit Eye Empire’s web store to pick up a copy. Evolve is sure to please, whether you are a veteran of the Empire or just discovering the band. “Love, Respect, Support” has no plan of stopping anytime soon. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
4 OUT OF 5 SKULLS for EVOLVE!
By: Joe Koza, Contributing Writer
KEEP UP WITH THE GUYS OF EYE EMPIRE – (click on icons):
